How to Start Your Lawn Mower After Winter?

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and your lawn is finally starting to green up. You’re ready to get out there and give your yard a fresh cut, but there’s one problem: your lawn mower hasn’t seen the light of day since last fall. You might be wondering, “Will it even start?” Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. Starting a lawn mower after a long winter slumber can be a little daunting, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful experience.

This guide will walk you through the entire process, from prepping your mower to firing it up for the first time. We’ll cover everything you need to know, so you can confidently tackle the task and have your lawn looking its best in no time.

What to Do Before You Start

Before you even think about pulling the starter cord, there are a few important things you need to do to prepare your lawn mower for the season.

Inspecting Your Mower

Check for Leaks: Start by inspecting your mower for any fuel leaks. This is important because old gas can degrade and damage your mower’s engine. If you find any leaks, you’ll need to fix them before you can start the mower.
Look for Rust: Check for rust on your mower’s metal parts, especially around the blades and wheels. If you see any rust, you can clean it off with a wire brush or sandpaper.

Clean the Air Filter: A clean air filter is crucial for your mower to run smoothly. You can usually clean your air filter by tapping it against a hard surface or using compressed air. If it’s too dirty, you’ll need to replace it.

Fueling Your Mower

Use Fresh Gas: Old gas can clog your mower’s fuel system. It’s always a good idea to use fresh gas, especially if your mower has been sitting for a while.
Add Stabilizer: If you’re not planning on using your mower for a long period, add fuel stabilizer to your gas tank. This will help prevent the gas from going bad.

Preparing the Spark Plug

Remove the Spark Plug: Locate the spark plug, usually on the top of the engine. Use a spark plug socket to loosen and remove it.
Clean the Spark Plug: Use a wire brush to clean any dirt or carbon buildup off the spark plug.

Test the Spark Plug: To test the spark plug, connect it to the spark plug wire and ground it against a metal surface. If you see a strong spark, your spark plug is in good condition. If not, you’ll need to replace it.

H2: Starting Your Lawn Mower

Now that your mower is prepped, it’s time to start it up.

Position the Mower: Make sure your mower is on a level surface and that the blades are disengaged.

Engage the Choke: On most lawn mowers, the choke is a lever that restricts the amount of air entering the engine. This helps the engine start more easily when it’s cold.
Prime the Engine: Some lawn mowers have a primer bulb that allows you to add extra fuel to the engine. If your mower has a primer bulb, pump it a few times to fill the carburetor with fuel.
Pull the Starter Cord: Slowly and gently pull the starter cord until you feel resistance. Then, give it a quick and strong pull. If it doesn’t start on the first pull, try again, but don’t pull the cord too hard.

Disengage the Choke: Once the engine starts, you can disengage the choke.
Let the Engine Warm Up: Let the engine run for a few minutes to warm up before you start mowing.

H2: Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even after prepping your mower, you may still run into some issues when trying to start it. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

H3: The Engine Won’t Turn Over

Dead Battery: If your mower has an electric start, the battery may be dead. Try jump-starting it or replacing the battery.
Fuel Line Blockage: Check the fuel line for any kinks or blockages.

Spark Plug Issues: A faulty spark plug or a loose spark plug wire can prevent the engine from starting.

H3: The Engine Starts but Dies Immediately

Empty Fuel Tank: Ensure there is enough fuel in the tank.

Clogged Fuel Filter: A clogged fuel filter can restrict fuel flow to the engine.
Choke Not Disengaged: Make sure you’ve disengaged the choke once the engine has started.

H3: The Engine Runs Rough

Old Gas: Old gas can cause the engine to run poorly. Drain the old gas and refill with fresh gas.
Clogged Air Filter: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine.
Carburetor Problems: If the carburetor is dirty or malfunctioning, it can cause the engine to run rough.

H2: Maintaining Your Mower Throughout the Season

Once you get your mower running, it’s important to keep it well maintained to ensure it continues to perform well. Here are a few tips:

Regularly Check and Clean the Air Filter: A clean air filter is crucial for the smooth running of your mower.

Change the Oil: Replace the oil regularly, as recommended by your mower’s owner’s manual.
Sharpen the Blades: Sharp blades provide a clean cut and prevent damage to your lawn.
Keep the Mower Clean: Clean your mower after each use to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating.

H2: Tips for Storing Your Mower for Winter

To avoid the same struggle next spring, it’s essential to properly store your mower for winter. Here are some tips:

Drain the Fuel Tank: Remove any remaining fuel from the tank. Old gas can damage the engine over time.

Clean the Mower: Thoroughly clean the mower and remove any debris or grass clippings.
Change the Oil: Change the oil to fresh oil.
Store in a Dry Place: Store your mower in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent rust and corrosion.

Cover the Mower: Cover the mower with a tarp or other protective covering to keep it clean and dust-free.

Conclusion:

Starting your lawn mower after winter doesn’t have to be a stressful ordeal. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can prepare your mower for the season, troubleshoot any common issues, and get back to enjoying a well-maintained lawn. Remember, proper maintenance throughout the season will ensure your mower runs smoothly and reliably for years to come.

FAQs

1. What should I do before I even try to start the lawn mower?

Before you attempt to start your lawn mower, it’s important to prepare it for the season. This includes:

Cleaning: Remove any debris, leaves, or grass clippings that have accumulated during winter.
Checking Fluids: Top off the gas tank with fresh gasoline and inspect the oil level. If it’s low, add the appropriate type of oil for your mower.

Inspecting Parts: Take a look at the spark plug, air filter, and blades. These parts should be cleaned or replaced if necessary.

2. How do I know if my lawn mower has been properly winterized?

If you winterized your lawn mower properly, you should have:

Emptied the Gas Tank: Leftover gas can gum up the engine over time, so emptying the tank is crucial.

Cleaned and Stored the Mower: You should have cleaned the mower thoroughly and stored it in a dry, covered area to prevent rust and damage.

3. What if my lawn mower won’t start after following the initial steps?

If your lawn mower still won’t start after cleaning, checking fluids, and inspecting parts, you may need to troubleshoot further:

Spark Plug: A dirty or damaged spark plug can prevent the engine from igniting. Check the spark plug and replace it if needed.

Air Filter: A clogged air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, making it difficult to start. Clean or replace the filter.
Fuel Line: The fuel line could be clogged, preventing fuel from reaching the engine. Check the fuel line and clear any obstructions.

4. My lawn mower starts but won’t run. What could be the problem?

If your lawn mower starts but dies immediately, there are a few possible culprits:

Fuel: The fuel may be old or contaminated. Try draining the old gas and replacing it with fresh fuel.
Carburetor: The carburetor may be clogged or dirty. Cleaning or rebuilding the carburetor may be necessary.

5. How often should I change the oil in my lawn mower?

The frequency of oil changes depends on the type and usage of your lawn mower, but it’s generally recommended to change the oil every 25-50 hours of operation.

Check your owner’s manual: It will provide the specific recommendations for your model.
Pay attention to oil color: If the oil is dark or thick, it’s time for a change.

6. Is there anything I need to do after my first mow of the season?

After the initial mowing, take a few minutes to give your lawn mower a quick inspection:

Check for Leaks: Ensure there are no fuel or oil leaks.
Inspect Blades: Check the blades for damage or dullness. Sharpen or replace them if needed.
Clean and Maintain: Wipe down the mower, remove any grass clippings, and clean the air filter.

7. What if my lawn mower is still giving me trouble?

If you’ve tried all of the above troubleshooting steps and your lawn mower still isn’t working, it’s best to take it to a qualified repair technician.

They have the tools and experience: They can diagnose the issue accurately and repair it efficiently.
Professional repairs save you time and frustration: Avoid further damage and potential safety hazards by seeking expert help.